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It is nearly the end of another year and, each and every month, every day seems to have flown by faster than the previous one. It is odd really, because I remember Latin lessons at school where every five minutes seemed slower than the last. As an alternative scenario, we all waited impatiently for the “Downton Abbey” film to be made, whilst sitting watching it, it seemed to pass in a flash. Thus time is undoubtedly relative, so there is no need for further theories of Einstein at this point.

Our new vineyard, planted in Spring this year

On December 30th I can’t help looking back at the busy cycle of this past year which includes not just the events we have held here in the Castle, but what has happened on the farm and in our personal life as well. For my husband the year will always be remembered with sadness for the death of his mother.

She always took a great interest in the farm and the gardens, walking with Geordie in the arboretum and around the Monks’ Garden in the summer. Looking forwards, however, she loved new ideas and I hope, she might look down with spiritual encouragement on the new vineyard we have planted in the old mellowed brick walled kitchen garden and it will be fascinating to see how it develops. A new purpose for a beautiful space

Perhaps there is a theme, given we launched Highclere Castle Gin using and inspired by botanicals from the gardens and estate. The bottle is a work of art and the gin has won awards and amazing reviews.

Apart from the ongoing traditional farm crops, wild flowers and sheep, we have continued to support the survival of British Lop Eared pigs. Thelma and Louise had piglets (we kept three more girls) and will soon farrow again. We have planted more trees, shrubs and and wild flowers and, to my husband’s enormous pleasure, we’ve had one more bonny foal and three more expected this Spring.

For me the year was marked by the loss of my beloved Labrador Bella but also by one of the busiest events calendars the Castle has yet seen. We have had tours, talks and concerts galore, an Easter egg hunt, Santa’s Grotto and a Costume exhibition and supported a fair number of charities along the way.

When Geordie and I first began to explore our stewardship of Highclere in 2003, we knew from the start that we wanted to use some events each year to help those less fortunate. So this year we supported, among others, Kings College Hospital London, the Murray Parish Trust (and thus Southampton Hospital), Starlight, Combat Stress, the Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Médecins Sans Frontières, along with a number of smaller ones from Launchpad (Homeless charity) to fund raising for community halls. Separately over 10,000 school children came to visit the Egyptian exhibition, whilst others come to learn about the countryside. All these events are supported by all of you as much as us so a huge thank you to you too.

Sarah and Jim – the Murray Parish Trust

Next year I have various schemes afoot. Going forwards into 2020, I am turning all my thoughts to VE Day on May 8th, to the dreams of our parents and grandparents, to what it meant to them and practically to help those who serve and save today, from charities such as SSAFA (UK), RAF Benevolent Fund, MSF which I mentioned above and TAPS (USA families of the fallen) amongst others. Our grandparents would have recognised that reconciliation happens in time, with hope and patience, with small steps together whether past enemy or friend.

The B-17, Fort Worth Jailhouse, crashed into the hills here on May 5th 1945 thus I am asking the last remaining B-17 in the UK to fly over Highclere that day and will be looking for sponsorship to help make it happen.

Through friends we have found the US descendants of the airmen who died here but would welcome any help to try to find the UK descendants of the men who died in the other 7 plane crashes here during WW2. I hope you will all come and sing and dance here like they did on VE Day, inspect the vintage jeeps, reenactments and planes as well as listening to our special speakers, tour the castle and learn about its history during WW2.

The descendants of the B17 ‘Fort Worth Jailhouse’ crew

From May the cycle of the year continues with public opening but pauses for a relatively new thought in the autumn. In October 10th and 11th I thought we should organise a small history festival here, an off shoot of the outstanding Chalke valley history Festival and focus on heritage and hope, taking their advice on some themes and great speakers but also including talks about the world around – the history of trees for example.

Our Cedar of Lebanon trees are one of the most recognisable features of Highclere’s landscape and we live in an era when the world’s great forests are under increasing threat so it seems an appropriate thread. Perhaps 2020 should be the year where we all plant a tree whether it is at home or further afield.

I loved writing my latest book ‘Christmas at Highclere’ it was a real journey in time and through Highclere’s landscapes. It is understanding the heritage and always with hope,to look after it for generations to come.

I also so enjoy the experience of sharing with the Highclere family every Monday via this blog. It is a valuable pausing point in a busy life to sit and reflect on the week just past and the week ahead.

Certainly each new year should bring an element of hope and growth to it and on that note I would like to wish you all a happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year.

187 Comments

Very enjoyable commentary. Thank you.
And Happy New Year to you and your family.

Lady Carnarvon December 30, 2019 at 5:52 pm

Thank you Happy New Year!

Cynthia Thompson December 31, 2019 at 8:00 am

Thank you so very much for this blog. Happy New Year blessings!

May Hannah December 31, 2019 at 3:48 pm

i really enjoy your blog your an inspiration Lady Carnarvon Wishing you and yours a Healthy Peaceful New Year xxx

Lady Carnarvon December 31, 2019 at 4:45 pm

Thank you

Cherie Prather December 31, 2019 at 6:29 pm

My condolences to Georgie on the passing of his mother. I lost my mom in April 2018 and my dad in August 2019 and understand the depth of sorrow losing a parent brings. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Beautiful and thoughtful blog this week. I look forward to Monday mornings when I bring in my cup of coffee and sit down at my computer to read your blog. Wish we lived in England so we could attend some of the wonderful events you always have going.

We vacationed in England in May of this year and visited Highclere. It was the highlight of our vacation in England!!! (We live in La Mesa, California, just east of San Diego.) It was raining so we didn’t have as much freedom to explore the grounds as we would have liked or get the beautiful colors in our photos that abound on the grounds but loved just being there. Also saw the “Downton Abbey” movie at the theater and now own both the entire series (all six seasons) and the movie on DVD. Love it all!!

I was wondering if there is any possibility that I could get a copy of the beautiful photo of the Castle framed by the golden leaves of the Cedars of Lebanon tree in this week’s blog? We have photos we took of Highclere when we were there but this one on your blog is spectacular.

God’s blessing to you and all your family and staff there at Highclere.

Lady Carnarvon January 1, 2020 at 8:06 pm

Delighted to to send the photo to you – it will be next week!!

Phil Cioppa January 1, 2020 at 6:39 am

Each year brings new gifts and challenges. You capture your family’s celebrations and joys of 2019 alongside the difficulties, such as the passing of your mother-in-law. I hope 2020 brings you and your family many blessings!

I just love my Christmas at Highclere book. It is just beautiful! I am on Christmas Break from teaching and am enjoying the lazy days of reading for pleasure and enjoying time with my family. Thank you for sharing your home with us! I hope one day to visit Highclere, until then your lovely books will suffice. Happy 2020 to you and your family!

Happy New Year from Siem Reap Cambodia Lady Carnarvon and Family.
Like you we are here to support friends we have made and hopefully make a better future for those in 2020. Our new family here, now have clean water, electricity and employment. We also support the Shinta Mani Hotel Foundation in Siem Reap who provide opportunities to help families overcome poverty by training under-privileged Cambodians in hotel operations. Graduates find employment for a bright future, free of charge. This foundation seeks to empower these families through education, teaching English Language, health care and direct assistance.
However as I turn on the television here I am reminded of the terrible plight my fellow Australians are going through with the bush fires in New South Wales, Victoria and parts of Queensland. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Good Morning Lady Carnarvon,
Yes, it is a passing of another year, and also a long decade of time and many promises still to be fulfilled. We, and the world have accomplished many, and great things, here at home, and all around the world.
Let us set aside some time in thought, and hopes and dreams that this up coming year will be the launching to peace on earth and good will to ALL, in the 2020 decade we will be walking into, through, and live happily ever after!
Peace and love to All,
John Roberts
Amherst, N.Y….U.S.A

Barbara Susan Lofthouse December 30, 2019 at 3:03 pm

Highclere is a very beautiful and inspiring place to visit and we would like to wish you and your family a very happy, peaceful and prosperous New Year. The Christmas fayre was wonderful too.
Thank you.

I am sorry to hear of the loss of His Lordship’s mother and Bell, I am keeping you both in my prayers.
Highclere and all of you are near and dear to my heart and I try to visit once or twice a year. We were just there on the 8th, it was so nice to see you again even if it was only for a brief moment outside.
I am planning our next visit for 2020 and look forward to seeing you all again. Thank you so much for all the hard work you do and allowing all of us to share in such an amazing place. I know in my heart that all who gone would be very proud of you both.

Lady Carnarvon,
Thank you for another look backward as well as at future good works at Highclere. Every Monday morning I look forward to learning what visitors can expect in your and Geordie’s coming year. Your stewardship is a blessing to followers of your story. Thanks again for sharing your dreams, and for reminding readers of possibilities for helping others. May the New Year be another happy year for your family and staff.
Martha G.

Thank you for all you do for the community. My father served with the US Eighth Army Air Corp during World War II and spent the entire war stationed in England and worked with the B-17 bombers. I was able to track down one of the bases in which he was stationed (RAF Burtonwood) and we took my mom to Warrington (among other places) to celebrate her 80th birthday back in 2001. My dad wanted to take her when he retired, but was not able as he passed away of cancer in 1982. I still miss him. It is nice that you are honoring the Americans that served in that war. I wish I could be there, but I will be thinking of you on that day and thinking of my father. Happy New Year to you and your family.

Another busy year has passed. This year has been more challenging than most, but it has also been filled with many blessings too. Thanks for sharing your home and your stories with us throughout the year. Your blog posts always brightened my Mondays.

Dear Lady Carnarvon,
It is always a joy to see your latest post in my email each Monday morning. The recap of the year at Highclere made me realize how focused you are on helping people. All the thought and planning for each event reveals a great love for what you do. Thank you to you and your wonderful team! As we get older the years seem to pass more quickly. Just yesterday it seems Y2K was upon us and now we are on the brink of 2020.
One of the gifts I gave my son on Christmas Day was your book, ‘Christmas at Highclere’. He was thrilled to receive it and said, “ I almost chose this same gift for you Mom because I know you love Highclere and its history”.

My husband and I will visit your magnificent home in May and we are counting the days.

Good Morning Lady Carnarvon,
Yes, it is amazing of how time can speed up and slow down. We enjoy your blog very much. As we think about this year, we have very fond memories of our visit to Highclere Castle back in May when Jennifer and I were on vacation. Being huge fans of Downton Abbey, we knew we had to visit Highclere. Our visit exceeded our expectations. We appreciate the tremendous amount of work it takes to maintain Highclere and keep it open for visits. Thank You for all of your hard work and efforts. Thank You also for supporting all the charities, especially the military. Being a veteran myself, I appreciate and understand the sacrifices of our military. Your support of military charities and foundations means a great deal.
Keep writing!
Happy New Year!
Ray & Jennifer Garrison
Saint Augustine, Florida, USA

All the best to you and your family in the coming New Year! I enjoyed your post today, so interesting to learn about Highclere and your traditions.

Marguerite krenek December 30, 2019 at 3:29 pm

All the best in the New Year, Lady Carnarvon and family! I’m so pleased to say I will finally visit Highclere this summer. It’s been a goal for a long time. I can’t wait to see the exquisite grounds and architecture you so lovingly oversee. Highclere could not have a better steward. Sincerely, Marguerite Krenek, Austin, Texas, USA

I feel exhausted just reading about your year and your amazing energy, though I’m sure there were times when it felt in short supply. Will plan to be with you on VE day. Best wishes for another successful year in 2020 and good health for you both.

Lady Carnarvon December 30, 2019 at 5:43 pm

That will be wonderful and I will sit down to think my way through VE day and put it on the web site in the next 10 days

Happy New Year to you and your Highclere Family. My son in law created a lovely Christmas cocktail using Highclere Gin called the Duchess if Westborough. Delicious!!! Thank you so much for your blog; I’m always impressed with how much you get accomplished.

Always wonderful to hear about life and events at Highclere. Thank you for all your interesting writings, research and also charitable work. Had a thought that maybe Vintage Wings of Canada could advise or help and support your quest for a B-17 or other planes.

Thank you, Lady Carnarvon for reminding me of all you do for your estate and for sharing the past and bringing it into the present.
Thank you for your wonderful blogs!
Happy New Year.

Lady Carnarvon December 30, 2019 at 5:40 pm

Happy New Year

Bee Holliman December 30, 2019 at 11:28 pm

Each Monday is a bit brighter being able to read your latest entry. I had the pleasure of visiting Highclere last May. It was a highlight of my first trip to England. For Christmas I was gifted your latest book and am enjoying learning more history of your beautiful home. Happy New Year from Oregon

Wishing you and everyone at Highclere a happy, yet demanding New Year.
The Downton movie DVD will be released mid January so looking forward to this.
I wonder if you followed my suggestion that you would consider making a cameo appearance, as Hitchcock did in his films, but you will not disclose this will you?

Many of your followers want more books. My first thought “Give the lady a break so she can concentrate on the day job.” It is the research that takes the time, then you come across another obscure snippet of Hichclere history that then requires further research. That is the rewarding part.

When will VE Day tickets be available?

When I visited this year and located the Airman statue/monument, there was a presentation and many visitors took photos. Unfortunately the statue had attracted bird droppings. Another little task for someone each week. This is a popular feature at Highclere.

Looking forward to taking down and storing the many decorations?

Carry on Highclere.

Lady Carnarvon December 30, 2019 at 5:39 pm

Thank you – I have cleaned the statue, I saw that too. I hope to create the VE day this month and I would be so grateful if you would share it.
I am turning round two books in my head…

The new year always does bring upon reflection, and I am no different!
The highlight of my year was visiting Highclere and dressing up for your cocktail reception and cabaret show back in May. Such a thrill to be singled out and a short tune written for me by the artists!
Thank you again for opening up your home and your heart to all of us this past year, and here is hoping that 2020 is just as exciting and challenging, because we know it will be challenging!

Like they always say, if we are not challenged, then we do not grow, am I right?
Cynthia

Lady Carnarvon December 30, 2019 at 5:37 pm

I am going to hold the cabaret evening again- such fun and so good to cry with laughter

What a Year, so sorry for the losses that occurred in 2019 both Human and Cannine 🙁

If you need any help with finding living relatives from the UK of the 7 plane crashes here during WW2, I’m happy to help with the research work on this as my contribution to the great work you do there at Highclere in supporting so many. Just contact me via email

Lady Carnarvon December 30, 2019 at 5:35 pm

I will gather myself in the New Year and list what I know – I might make a page for the airmen on this blog

Just wanted to say I made my Christmas Cake from your recipe in your book Christmas at Downton it was delicious, so enjoyed the book and the cake. Hoping I can have a trip to Highclere next year. So enjoyed your talk in Llangwm in the Summer hope you come back to Pembrokeshire again.
Happy New Year to you and your Family and all Staff at Highclere

My husband served in the USAF for 30 years. I was by his side the entire time. Among our most precious memories are the years we spent at RAF Uxbridge when he commanded the only American squadron on post. His father was a young enlisted man in WWII. He also served in England.

Sincere thanks to you and your family for honoring all who “served and saved” during that war, but especially for including American airman and/or soldiers who died on your land during those years.

Dear Lady Carnarvon,
You and your husband have many wonderful accomplishments to reflect upon. Taking stock of the year, and setting sights, as a navigator does, to plot a positive course for the coming year are so very worthwhile. You honor a great many through your work.
2020 holds lots of exciting events at the Castle and I hope to return again. It does my heart good to spend time in that beautiful space! I absolutely LOVE “Christmas at Highclere”- the quizzes, the history & the incredible photos. The cocktail recipes are lots of fun, too!
Happy New Year to you and yours, and all the best in 2020!
Best regards,
Charlotte Merriam Cole

Lady Carnarvon December 30, 2019 at 5:31 pm

Thank you so much – the quizzes are fun!

Lady Carnarvon December 30, 2019 at 5:51 pm

I do like the idea of navigating – although sometimes I leap to follow my heart and figure out the navigation later!

It is so wonderful to see all the special causes and charities you participate in. You and your family are such generous people. It is exciting for me to see all that you do.
Today is hubby’s B-Day and did he ever make a haul! At our age, one has to seize the day!
Happy New Year to you Lady Carnarvon, your family and to all on this site!
Susan

Thank you yet again for a wonderful write up, I hope you manage to get the B-17 flypast, and it would be wonderful to have the descendants of those who lost their lives there too. Good luck with the Vineyard, will you eventually be selling the wine?

I would like to wish you and yours all a very Happy and peaceful New year.

I know what you mean about Latin lessons dragging, but I found my 40 minute Gregorian chant lesson each week was even worse! Your Christmas at Highclere book was fascinating & my husband and I so enjoyed our visit to Highclere to celebrate my 70th birthday in October. Happy New Year to you & your family. Kathy

Lady Carnarvon December 30, 2019 at 6:30 pm

I will go back to my Latin.. the chant however might have good for breathing exercise?!

Happy New Year to you and your family. I so enjoy reading your blog and the wonderful things planned for Highclere in 2020. I had the joy of visiting over a year ago and hope to someday see it again. Thanks for all you do. Looking forward to reading more from you in 2020. Best wishes and God bless!

Dearest Lady Carnarvon,
Once again, your blog has brightened my Monday. I feel as we get older, the time speeds up faster and faster. I remember as a child waiting for a special event to take place, time seemed to stand still. Now I wish it would slow down.
Your dedication to Veterans on both sides of the “Pond” warms my heart. It was because of your dedication that I was able to see a B-17 fly by during Heroes at Highclere in 2018. I cannot put into words how much it meant to me as the Daughter of a B-17 crew member from WWII. A Church we went to in Ohio taught us that whatever we do should be done in a spirit of excellence. It seems to me that is how you go about everything at Highclere. I’m sure the upcoming events will be managed with that same attention to detail. I sure wish we could be there.
I feel bad for Lord Carnarvon. His Mother must have been a wonderful person. I followed the events when she passed. Each holiday after a loved one passes is a difficult ‘first’. My deep condolences also on the passing of Bella. Our 2 Yorkies are our children, so we understand how you feel losing your Bella. . My heart goes out to both of you.
God Bless you. I pray the New Year brings many blessings to you and everyone at Highclere as well as all of my fellow blog followers!

Respectfully,
Sue Smith
Englewood, Florida

Lady Carnarvon December 30, 2019 at 7:48 pm

Thank you so much Linda – I suspect we are nearly at the end of the number of flights the B 17 will make…

Happy New Year! Thank you for all you do to help others. It made me smile to see TAPS on your list because my best friend is a Gold Star Mother and a member of TAPS. It is such a wonderful source of support for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Her son was 19. May God continue to bless you in your endeavors.

Although another year comes to a close I cannot help but feel the excitement of the year to come with all its hidden mysteries awaiting us.

Well done for all the work for charities that you do. If we all do our bit we can change the world for others less fortunate making it a happier place.
Happy New Year to you and your family.
God Bless!

Dear Lady Carnarvon, Many thanks for another awe inspiring blog for all of us…your family outside of Highclere and all around the world. Wishing you and your loved one a very prosperous 2020 filled with smiles, good health, love, and peace!

In New Orleans, LA we have a world class museum of WWII, both the Western Front and the Eastern Front…started by our American actor, Tom Hanks. Within the museum is a Canteen Show and Brunch. The performers are The Victory Belles dressed in WWII dresses and singing the songs of that time. They perform internationally and might be a consideration for your VE Day. Sir Winston Churchill’s encouragements are noted. “KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON” appear on a coffee mug I bought for my sweet 95 year old British war bride. These words seem appropriate for the New Year. A Happy New Year to all.

Dear Lady Carnarvon & all of the “Monday family”,
I hope that each of you had a wonderful and merry Christmas.
It is hard to believe that not only are we about to embark on a new year, but we are also about to enter a new decade. It almost seems beyond belief to realise that 20 years have passed since we watched the clock tick over to the new millennium.
May 2020 be very special for each of you. May you be blessed with warmth in your home, love in your heart, peace in your soul and joy in your life.
Happy New Year.
Yours faithfully,
Jeffery Sewell

Dear Lady Carnarvon,
You are the BEST! So much energy and so much good will. I am blessed to have found this blog and you truly inspire me to be a better person and to give more back to the community.
I wish you and your family a very Happy New Year!
I am still waiting for my book: Christmas at Highclere which is on back order.
Fondly,
Diana Squibb
Delray Beach, Florida

Lady Carnarvon December 30, 2019 at 10:24 pm

I hope you enjoy it – it is in fact a book for all year and every year

Thank you so much for your Blogs. I had the pleasure of touring Highclere Castle in September of this year with my daughter for her 50th birthday. What a special treat we had. Now I look forward to your blogs each week.
Happy New Year!!!!

Every Monday I look forward to reading your blog. Happy, interesting, funny and sad moments… just as so many of us experience. Your writing is so uplifting, Thank you. A very Happy New Year to you and your family.

As we struggle with high temperatures and out of control bush fires here in Australia, I remember our special visit to your lovely home in the cool climes of November and thoroughly enjoy reading and re-reading Christmas At Highclere .
Happy New Year.
Kathryn Sutherland
Australia.

Every Monday I look forward to your blog. It is nice to have a glass of tea, and read your words. You have wonderful plans for 2020! Happy New Year to you, and all at Highclere, including Thelma and Louise.

Thank you for a reflective letter/blog for the diaspora of #HighclereFamily. I join with the others who have thanked you for such dedication to the blog and sharing Highclere. My interest in the farming and gardening are based on my experience. While my current residence doesn’t have room for cattle, horses and crops, I have vivid memories and family who are still ranching/farming.
The vineyard and pending Highclere “Champagne”/Sparkling Wine are on my list of must-haves in the future.
Your list of accomplishments of the personal efforts and your team is to be applauded. Well-done to you and everyone at Highclere.
As many others have stated their intention to visit and/or return to Highclere, I have the same intention. Visiting Highclere for an event is on my dream list.
Happy New Year! May all the blessings of goodness be with your family, team and everyone who contributes to the amazing upcoming year of 2020.
Ida

Dear Lady Carnarvon,
As well as time, space is also relative. I am writing from Goolwa in South Australia, overlooking the Southern Ocean, so although it may be a long way geographically from Highclere, your posts always make me feel near in heart.

I was thrilled to receive your Christmas book from our elder son for my birthday, and recently made the Christmas Cake which was much appreciated by all (I only added a smidge more brandy…). We also cooked the festive quiche for a family gathering here yesterday which was delicious. Everyone brought their home-baked offerings that they had lovingly made to share, which makes for a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season together.

One of my favourite photographs in your latest book is the sledding in the snow at the Temple of Diana. We walked there to enjoy the views and atmosphere during our enchanting stay at Grotto Lodge last summer. The photographs exude laughter and love spending time with family and friends: such precious moments in time to hold dear through the days that bring tougher challenges in life.

Sending our best wishes across the miles to you and your family for the New Year ahead.
Jennifer

Lady Carnarvon December 31, 2019 at 8:54 am

Thank you – everyone here looks forward to sledging given a chance and we sledge in the daylight and get the work down a bit later! Such fun

You are leaving a wonderful legacy for your children with your philanthropy, respect of history, and generosity in sharing with the public your home which is endeared in the hearts of millions f Downton Abbey fans. May 2020 bring more joy and happy moments. Thank you so much for bringing much joy to me this year as I read your blog. Happy New Year from Hawaii to you and your family!

Thank you for sharing your life and adventures at Highclere Castle. I enjoy your weekly essays and look forward to reading about the news of Highclere. I just finished watching the excellent movie, Downton Abbey, and was able to reminisce about my visit, last April with our son and his family. I even have a picture of you and my granddaughters as a precious momento. We wish you a blessed 2020!

So enjoyed your end of the year commenting. I look forward to your emails and updates. Thank you for sharing your life and love of the Highclere Castle.
Happy New Year!

Lady Carnarvon December 31, 2019 at 4:46 pm

Happy New Year

Lori Carlson December 31, 2019 at 11:33 pm

I am new to your blog and look forward to reading all of the past as well as your future writings. I admire your work ethic as well as your heart for helping others. Visiting Highclere Castle is on my definitely on my bucket list!
Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous New Year to you and your family, Lady Carnarvon!

My father was a bombardier on a B-17 in the 390th BombGroup. He was stationed near Parham (?) where they have transformed the old control tower into a museum. He would be amazed and so happy that his efforts as young man are still valued in a far off land.

NEW YEARS GREETINGS FROM “THE COLONIES”!
It is called “getting old” Your ladyship! It too remember my Latin and French lessons taking forever when in reality it was just a few minutes reciting them to the teacher. I too reflect the voices of my peers above in your, and that his Lordship, generosity and unselfishness in the millions of fans and admirers of Highclere/Downton Abby.
Here’s hoping the New Year will bring new surprises to Highclere and the World!
Dan&Suzanne
New Market, Maryland

Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I am reading each page of your Christmas at Highclere like I am uncovering a new secret corner of the Castle. I can’t wait to try one of your recipes. I like the final picture you chose for the jacket with the dogs included since they are a huge part of Highclere life. And the quality of the paper you used is Spot on! So, so well done!
I hope 2020 is a splendid year for you and your family and added best wishes for the World!
Peggy Helbling
Windermere, Florida

Lady Carnarvon January 1, 2020 at 8:05 pm

I so enjoyed the journey of writing the book – at time a challenge but all things take peserverance

Your excellent blog is so informative and I look forward to the good read you provide. My dad was in WW II but as a member of the Navy he never made it to Great Britain. From Texas I wish you great health and happiness in the new year!

You have brought to my attention that my husband’s illness has narrowed my focus to the here and now. Thank you for this post, reminding me that looking beyond ourselves — back to lessons of history and forward to the future with hope and expectation — is never a waste. Blessings of every sort to you and yours in 2020!

Searching for books to read during my 2-week Christmas break, I discovered and downloaded your accounts of 20th century Highclere. Both books are excellent, particularly in their detailing of the terrible impact of the World Wars on the Highclere families, both upstairs and downstairs, and the entire UK. I’m now reading Molly Panter Downes’ WWII “Letter(s) from London,” quoted in your second book, and the full text of Duff-Cooper’s resignation from Chamberlain’s cabinet (frighteningly relevant). All to say that the book titles do not adequately convey the depth and value of these works – thank you!

What a thoughtful blog, thank you. We so much enjoy the diversity of your choice of subjects with beautiful photos every week.
The cedars are so majestic and amazing trees. We would love to have such a tree in our garden.
We wish you all the best, more success and good health in 2020. You have so much energy, ideas and enthusiasm. Do you ever stop to have a short break?
Thank you again for all that you do!

I was curious what you planted in the vineyard. I’m sure grape growing is quite a bit different there, than it is here in San Diego, California. As beautiful as your part of the world is, there would definitely be less sun and warmth for ripening.

Lady Carnarvon January 2, 2020 at 6:09 pm

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Vitis vinifera L. vines – We are perhaps not so different from Northern France and the geology is similar.

I would like to ask if there were any pictures taken of the winner of the Downton Abbey Dinner Competition. I would have liked to have seen there arrival, the dinner and excitement at being at Highclere Castle. Could this have been posted and I missed it?

The gift of your cookbook to my sister has been, while successful, hard to keep track of! Everyone keeps making off with it “just for a quick look”…….one hates to give out duplicate gifts but maybe this one time it would have been smarter! I wish everyone at Highclere a wonderful and healthy New Year!
Angelica

Happy New Year to you and and everyone involved with Highclere. It is such a pleasure to read your blog and to ponder the many events you have helped organize. We will be planning a visit sometime in the near future to make that special connection that only an in-person experience can bring. We have visited the UK many times over the years and each visit brings new friends and memories. It is with this expectation that we look forward to our next trip to the UK and Highclere.

Thank you for your very inspiring and personal message. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your new book, Christmas at Highclere. I served the turkey and cranberry sandwiches at a high tea at my home during the holidays. I received At Home at Highclere as a gift from my mother for Christmas. I have also read Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey. I am looking forward to visiting Highclere Castle in May 2020. I will be on a tour of London and the Cotswolds.

Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I have just followed my first ever blog, having come somewhat late to this social era I have made yours my first. I am honored and humbled reading your story and history. All of the busy, thoughtful and inspiring work you do makes me realize how much more we could all do, and makes me feel lazy in comparison. Although I did find the time to follow your lead and we planted ten live oak trees in an alley formation on our back acreage. We are looking forward to the time when the boughs overhang to make a path between them. I think in some way we all aspire to be generous and caring, but you personify these qualities so easily and gracefully that we should all stop a moment and think of our own efforts. At times we stumble and fall short but reading your blog renews my faith that there is still a core of love and generosity in this world, something we need at a time when we all could stand a drop more of love and a bit less indifference.
Thank you for all of your hard work and your kind heart in sharing all of this with us. I have traveled the Caribbean quite a bit but have not made it to England. I love history and it is one of my greatest wishes to experience your beautiful country. Sending a prayer, to one day be fortunate enough to see your lovely home in person. It looks like a peaceful haven to get lost in.
Thank you for your patience with this somewhat rambling note. For the New Year I wish you a quiet moment, full of love and reflection. I look forward to keeping up with all of you and wish your family and the staff of Highclere a peaceful New Year.